Burping is a way for you to help your baby expel swallowed air. Babyies can swallow air when they feed, suck pacifier or cry. Swallowed air can cause discomfort and make your baby stop feeding, spit or vomit. Air can also travel from the stomach to the intestine and cause gas, which can make your baby fussy and irritated. It is important that you take few minutes during and after breastfeeding to help your baby burp.
Breastfeeding
Breast milk is considered to be the best and most natural nutrition for your infant. Human milk contains the right nutrients in the correct proportions to nourish your baby. Your baby can use the protein and fat in breast milk better than those found in formula. Breast milk also contains maternal antibodies that help protect your baby against infections. Breastfed infants are less likely to suffer from ear infections, allergies, diarrhea, respiratory infections and meningitis, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Burping
When your baby eats, she can swallow air. Although this is more common when the baby is bottle fed, breast fed infants also swallow air during feeding. Burping is a way to remove the air your infant has swallowed from the tummy. If not removed, the air can get trapped in the intestine and cause discomfort and pain. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you burp your baby after you switch breasts and after every feeding.
Burping Techniques
You can burp your baby with three different methods. Hold your baby upright, with head against your shoulder. Tap lightly to your baby's back while supporting her head and body with your other hand. Sit your baby on your lap, let her lean slightly forward to your hand so that you are supporting her chest and head with one hand. Pat her back with your other hand. Or lay your baby on your lap on her belly. Support her head so that it is slightly higher than her chest. Gently pat her back.
Considerations
Although burping is important, your baby may not burp every time she feeds. If your baby has a good latch and technique, she may not swallow air that much. If your baby has not burped after few minutes, continue feeding from the other breast. After you have finished feeding both breasts, burp your baby for 10 to 15 minutes. If she still does not burp, there is a chance she did not swallow any air and you can stop burping.
References
- "Your Pregnancy and Birth"; The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 4th Edition; 2005
- "Your Baby's First Year"; The American Academy of Pediatrics; 2nd edition; 2005
